Hi Everyone! I serve on the board of directors for the International Association of Business Communicators - Detroit Chapter. Please join me on Sept. 20, 2011 at IABC Detroit's monthly program where I'll speak about building your own digital portfolio and digital brand.

Click here for more detailed information 

I hope to see many of you there! 

September 20, 2011
Noon – 1:30 p.m.
Visiting Nurse Association of Southeast Michigan
25900 Greenfield Road, Suite 506
Oak Park, MI 48237

In spite of yesterday's economic meltdown, I woke up this morning incredibly encouraged by the tale of a 61 year old woman.  Diana Nyad, an athlete attempts a swim from Cuba to Florida; a  103-mile journey that frankly borders crazy in my mind!
 
Now Diana and our economic woes really don't have much in common. But in light of yesterday's Wall street gloom,  I woke up this morning reading Diana's story, and found my spirit instantly renewed. Maybe that's the borderline "nuts" in me!

29 hours and about half way through her swim, she make the right call and abandon's her journey due to escalated health issues (vomiting, asthma). And who wouldn't right? 

It reminds me of the 2008 Rachel Carson Trail Challenge; a 34-mile endurance hike I participated in on the summer solstice. My friends from UDM and I did the hike to raise support for the local DMC Children's Hospital cancer and burn units. It was also very personal, as my late cousin Moe Bashir, was battling cancer at the time. Located in the appalachian foothills in Pennsylvania, we faced tortuous hill climbing and descent in unpredictable weather conditions. 

About 18 miles in the hike, I had to call it quits after a 100-ft. fall left my knee severely injured. I did not want to stop, but my dear friend Adrienne, helped me climb that last hill to the rest stop. I knew in my heart, it was time to call it quits.

Friends who know me, all know that I'm always up for a challenge. Next month, I'll attempt a century bike ride from Chicago to Wisconsin. Its no 100 mile swim, but the challenge in my mind is still the same. I've never attempted a long ride like that and I'm so excited about it! Admittedly, I have not trained much for it and in spite of my back injuries, I still want to do something I love. 

I won't be swimming with sharks any time soon, but the century ride will surely test my endurance, strength and determination. And most of all, it will be a ton of fun!

Have a great day, friends!